With Paul Midgley staying at St James’ Park, United promote ‘prodigy scout’ Connor Hunter to lead the club’s post-Brexit youth recruitment.
Manchester United have officially confirmed the promotion of Connor Hunter as the club’s new Head of Academy Recruitment. The appointment comes after a high-profile pursuit of Newcastle United’s Paul Midgley, who ultimately opted to remain in the North East following “last-minute talks” with Magpies chiefs.
Hunter, a Liverpool John Moores University graduate, is a familiar face at Carrington. His promotion marks the culmination of an eight-year journey through the ranks at Old Trafford, where he has held almost every major scouting role within the youth setup.
The Rise of Connor Hunter
Hunter’s track record is impeccable. Having most recently served as the National Scouting Manager, he has been instrumental in navigating the complex post-Brexit recruitment landscape, which limits United to domestic targets.
Hunter’s Journey at Old Trafford:
- National Scouting Manager (Previous Role)
- Academy Lead Phase Scout (U13 – U16)
- Head of Local Recruitment (Ages 7-15)
- Pre-Academy Manager
Filling the Fedorenko Void
The search for a new recruitment lead began following the departure of Luke Fedorenko, who left to join a football agency. Fedorenko, alongside former academy head Nick Cox, was a key architect in landing major youth signings most notably the acquisition of Chido Obi from Arsenal.
While the rejection from Newcastle’s Paul Midgley initially looked like a setback, United’s hierarchy led by Director of Football Jason Wilcox reportedly feels that Hunter’s deep understanding of the club’s DNA makes him the ideal successor.
Navigating the Post-Brexit Era
In his new role, Hunter will be tasked with identifying the best British talent to ensure the pipeline to Michael Carrick’s first team remains strong. With the FA’s stricter regulations on foreign youth signings, Hunter’s expertise in local and national scouting will be United’s “secret weapon” in the battle for the UK’s top teenagers.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
